Al Ahly’s Iconic Number 10 Shirt Handed to New Star After Percy Tau’s Departure

With Percy Tau’s recent exit from Al Ahly to join Qatar SC, the Egyptian giants have wasted no time in finding a new heir to the club’s iconic number 10 shirt. The jersey, often regarded as one of the most prestigious numbers in football, has been handed to new signing Nejc Gradišar, a Slovenian international striker.

The number 10 shirt holds significant weight at Al Ahly, previously worn by club legends such as Mohamed Sherif and Emad Meteb. Tau had carried the mantle with distinction during his time at the club, and now, the responsibility has been passed to Gradišar, who arrives with high expectations.

The New Number 10: Nejc Gradišar

Gradišar joined Al Ahly last week in a deal reportedly worth €1.05 million (R20.4 million) from Hungarian side Fehérvár FC, as per Transfermarkt. The 22-year-old striker has already made an immediate impact, scoring a crucial goal during Al Ahly’s 2-2 draw against Pyramids FC in the Egyptian Premier League on Sunday.

The Slovenian forward has signed a long-term deal with Al Ahly until June 2029, potentially setting him up to become the longest holder of the club’s number 10 jersey since Meteb, who wore it from the 2014/15 season until 2017/18.

Tau’s Legacy and a New Chapter

Percy Tau’s time at Al Ahly was marked by success and recognition, as the South African forward played a key role in the team’s recent triumphs. Trusted with the iconic number 10 shirt, Tau cemented his place in the club’s history, but his departure to Qatar SC this month left the number vacant.

While Tau did not feature in Qatar SC’s recent 1-0 win over Al Sadd, his move has allowed Al Ahly to open a new chapter with Gradišar as the latest star to don the famous jersey.

High Expectations for Gradišar

The decision to hand Gradišar the number 10 shirt signals Al Ahly’s confidence in the young striker’s potential to make a lasting impact at the club. With his impressive debut and a long-term contract in place, Gradišar is well-positioned to carry forward the legacy of the jersey, which has become synonymous with influential players in the team’s history.

As Al Ahly looks to maintain its dominance in the Egyptian Premier League and on the continental stage, all eyes will be on Gradišar to see if he can live up to the expectations that come with wearing one of football’s most revered numbers. Fans will hope that the Slovenian striker can replicate the success of his predecessors and help propel the Red Devils to even greater heights.

The Transition Era

While Tau’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter, the quick succession to Gradišar demonstrates Al Ahly’s forward-thinking approach. The Red Devils continue to build for the future, and the Slovenian’s promising start suggests that the club’s decision to hand him the number 10 shirt could prove to be a masterstroke.

For Gradišar, the iconic jersey represents both an honor and a challenge, but if his debut is anything to go by, he is ready to rise to the occasion.